Related Experiment Videos
Bilateral sensorimotor abnormalities in unilateral lateral epicondylalgia
Leanne M Bisset1, Trevor Russell, Stephen Bradley
1Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|March 31, 2006
Summary
Individuals with lateral epicondylalgia exhibit motor deficits in both limbs, including altered wrist posture and slower movements. These impairments in upper limb function may be treatable with exercise and postural retraining.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Neuromuscular Function
Background:
- Lateral epicondylalgia, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a prevalent condition causing elbow pain.
- Understanding associated motor function impairments is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate upper limb motor function deficits in individuals with unilateral lateral epicondylalgia.
- To compare motor function between affected individuals and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- An assessor-blinded, case-controlled study was conducted in a university laboratory.
- Forty participants with lateral epicondylalgia and 40 matched controls were recruited.
- Evaluated outcomes included wrist posture during grip, grip strength, reaction time, and movement speed.
Main Results:
- Participants with lateral epicondylalgia showed significantly less wrist extension bilaterally (11 degrees less).
- Increased upper limb reaction times and reduced movement speed (2%-15%) were observed in both limbs of affected individuals.
- Reduced pain-free grip strength was noted in the involved limb (170N reduction).
Conclusions:
- Unilateral lateral epicondylalgia is associated with bilateral upper limb motor control deficits.
- These motor deficits suggest potential for improvement through interventions like exercise and postural retraining.
- An evidence base is emerging to guide the clinical management of lateral epicondylalgia.